Luaus in Hawaii are a celebration of food, entertainment and culture, and the tropical flavors, sounds and performances leave a lasting impression.

For some, it’s the opportunity to taste poi. For others, it’s a chance to try their hands at the hula. Luaus in Hawaii delight the senses: gorgeous sunsets and fragrant flower lei are a feast for the eyes; flavorful Hawaiian food excites the palate; and the syncopated beat of Polynesian drums gets the blood pumping. What’s more, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Hawaiian history. So don some festive aloha wear, sip a fancy cocktail and enjoy the ultimate in dinner and a show in paradise. Here’s a sampling of luau options across the islands.

Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock (Maui)

The Maui Nui Luau takes place at the foot of Pu‘u Keka‘a (the Hawaiian name for the Black Rock lava outcropping) at Ka‘anapali Beach, a splendid place to hear the saga of the demigod Maui and other enchanting stories from the Pacific. Choreographed by the renowned Tihati Productions, crowd-pleasers include the ancient Kane Hula dance, performed by men, and the romantic Tumu Iti Ame dance of the people of the Tuamotu Islands. A new addition to the luau’s buffet is the custom bread and bowl station, where guests can make their own kalua pig sliders and poke bowls.

Waikiki Starlight Luau (Oahu)

As its name suggests, this luau takes place on a rooftop terrace at the Hilton Hawaiian Village® Waikiki Beach Resort. Pre-show festivities include a conch shell-blowing challenge and group hula lessons. Dinner offerings feature locally sourced ingredients, and the show takes the audience on a fabulous voyage across the South Seas, highlighted by a dazzling four-man Samoan fire knife dance.

Feast on Hawaiian favorites like lomi salmon and laulau at the Mauna Kea Luau

Photo: Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Luau (Hawaii Island)

The Lim family, one of the most renowned names in Hawaiian music, has produced the luau at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since the 1960s. The Lims hail from Kohala, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, and their music reflects their pride in the traditions of the Big Island. Guests feast on Hawaiian favorites like lomi salmon and laulau with the blazing Waimea sunset as their backdrop. A new premium package offers guests advance entry, front-row seating and family-style appetizers on each table.

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui)

Upon arrival at the oceanfront Old Lahaina Luau, guests are greeted with a flower lei and the chance to watch as the kalua pig is unearthed from the imu (underground oven). Local eateries Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop contribute popular dishes to the tasty feast, and the show features both ancient and contemporary hula as it traces Hawaiian history from early Polynesian migration to modern times.

Smith Family Garden Luau (Kaua‘i)

Located on the grounds of a lush, 30-acre botanical garden adjacent to the Wailua River roamed by peacocks, nene and chickens, the Smith Family Garden Luau treats guests to live Hawaiian music during dinner before moving to an open-air amphitheatre for the main show. Fans cite Cousin Gary’s secret recipe for teriyaki beef and the unlimited mai tais as the special touches that distinguish this luau from other luaus in Hawaii.

Catharine Lo Griffin is an independent journalist and editor who writes about places and people in Hawaii. She was formerly Washington Bureau Manager for Wired, Editor-at-Large for Honolulu Weekly, and Founding Editor of Free Surf Magazine. Based on the North Shore of Oahu, she enjoys spending time in the ocean with family and friends.

Marco Ruiz, AAA Travel Counselor, Monterey, Calif.

I love to suggest Italy and Spain because of the culture and the flair of the people–their fashions, language and way of life. They take time to enjoy life's pleasures. When you're there, you feel it, too.

Take Your Vacation Now

Disclaimer: You are now leaving AAA’s website and are going to a website that is not operated by AAA. AAA is not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites or any consequences of visiting such sites.

AAA offers links to other third party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors. The links provided in our website are provided solely for your convenience and may assist you in locating other useful information on the Internet. When you click on these links you will leave the AAA website and will be redirected to another site. These sites are not under the control of AAA.

AAA is not responsible for the content of linked third party websites. AAA is not an agent for such third parties, nor does AAA endorse or guarantee their products and/or services. We make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the linked sites. We strongly encourage you to always verify the information obtained from linked websites before acting upon any information contained therein.

Also, please be aware that the security and privacy policies on these sites may be different than AAA’s policies, so please read third party privacy and security policies closely.

If you have any questions or concerns about the products and services offered on linked third party websites, please contact the third party directly.

You are now leaving AAA’s website and are going to a website that is not operated by AAA. AAA is not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites or any consequences of visiting such sites.